WS Chronicle

The Chronicle, in partnership with sponsors Russell’s Funeral Home, Winston-Salem Transit Authority, City of Winston-Salem, and the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation, recently presented the 36th Annual Community Service Awards. During the virtual event, individuals, businesses, churches, and nonprofits were honored for their dedicated service to make a difference in our community.

“For the past 36 years The Chronicle has highlighted those in our community who have gone above and beyond to serve the people of Winston-Salem. The past two years have been challenging, meeting the needs of the people has not been easy, yet our honorees never wavered. They became innovative and agile during these ever-changing times and still managed to come to the aid of so many people,” said Bridget Elam, Chronicle managing editor, when discussing this year’s honorees. 

“While they may have important business titles and accredited letters that follow their names, today we celebrate them all because they also carry another title with a great responsibility and tremendous weight; the title of community servant.” 

Top honors, Man and Woman of Year, were presented to Sheriff Bobby Kimbrough and Dr. Pamela Alston-Oliver. 

Sheriff Kimbrough has over 40 years of experience in law enforcement and is the first Black person to serve as sheriff of Forsyth County. Since being sworn into office in 2018, Kimbrough has launched several programs geared toward addressing poverty, gun violence, and other issues in our community. Kimbrough, who was born and raised here in Winston-Salem, said it has been an honor and a privilege to give back to the community that has given him so much. 

“I don’t consider myself Man of the Year, I just consider myself a servant in this community,” said Kimbrough after accepting his award. “I say this all the time, the person I am is because of the community. I will never forget where I come from, no matter where God takes me.” 

Dr. Alston-Oliver was born and raised in Rocky Mount where she also fell in love with education. In 2001 she earned her MD with focuses in female reproductive health and racial disparities in health outcomes. Alston-Oliver is the first female physician and physician of color to lead the Novant Health Medical Group. Since moving to Winston-Salem, Alston-Oliver has been involved with numerous community service and leadership programs. Alston-Oliver is also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. and United Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church. 

After accepting her award for Woman of the Year and thanking The Chronicle, Alston-Oliver said she remains committed to addressing health inequities that plague our communities. 

“Over the last few years I’ve had the privilege of leading in our medical group and our system to help us tackle the health inequities that face our communities and being that voice at the table, a woman of color, in rooms where it matters, where representation matters, has truly been my privilege,” Alson-Oliver continued. 

“And I am committed to improving the health of our communities by raising these issues, but also moving toward solutions. So it has indeed been my privilege to serve in this way. … I have three amazing children and a husband who I truly want to make sure my legacy and the impression I leave for them is strong and for all young girls in our community.” 

Here’s a list of the other honorees: 

*Youth Organization of the Year: Salvation Army Ken Carlson Boys and Girls Club 

*Organization of the Year: Neighborhood’s Hands 

*Curator of the Arts: Gregg Penn

*Church of the Year: Union Baptist Church

*For Seniors Only Award: The AgingWell Series of the Sticht Center for Healthy Aging and Alzheimer’s Prevention

*Carl H. Russell Lifetime Achievement Award: Joe “Peanut Man” Watson

*Paulette Lewis Moore Lifetime Achievement Award: Mütter D. Evans. 

The 36th Annual Community Service Awards can be viewed by visiting The Chronicle’s official YouTube channel.